Shower mounted douche/bidet apparatus and mehtod

ABSTRACT

A shower mounted douche/bidet apparatus employs a diverter and an angled handle member with a dispenser head thereon. The handle is a ball headed arm member which provided an ergonomic spray dispensing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to douche and bidet devices, and moreparticularly to a shower mounted douche/bidet apparatus and method.

[0002] Douche or bidet devices for use in the shower for personalcleaning, such as the device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,642,100, employ anelongate douche applicator spray device. However, the configuration ofsuch an elongate device makes it difficult to hold and use. For example,insertion of the applicator into or positioning of the applicator nearcertain parts of the body, such as genital or rectal areas, is awkwardand requires an uncomfortable positioning of the user's hands, wrist,and arms. Also, the known devices typically have 5 or 6 spray holes,oriented in different directions, which result in multiple sprays inmultiple directions, which may not be desirable for a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In accordance with the invention, an improved shower mounteddouche/bidet apparatus employs a shower ball mount arm as an applicatorhead.

[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providean improved shower mounted douche apparatus.

[0005] It is a further object of the present invention to provide animproved shower mounted bidet apparatus.

[0006] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide animproved shower mounted douche/bidet apparatus.

[0007] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide animproved shower mounted douche/bidet apparatus not requiring a backflowprevention valve.

[0008] The subject matter of the present invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of thisspecification. However, both the organization and method of operation,together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best beunderstood by reference to the following description taken in connectionwith accompanying drawing wherein like reference characters refer tolike elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a photograph of the douche/bidet apparatus and itscomponents, in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a shower prior to installationof the device;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a shower after installation ofthe device;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a partial view of a handle illustrating a single streamaspect;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a shower head with the diverterinstalled;

[0014]FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a user holding the handle,showing an exemplary flow of water; and

[0015]FIG. 7 is a view of a shower wall with the device hung thereon byuse of the hook and hanger, when in a not-in-use mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The system according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention comprises a valve that selectively controls the amount ofwater diverted from a shower head supply to a douche/bidet head, via aflexible hose.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, a photograph of the douche/bidet apparatusand its components, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, thedevice comprises a handle “A”, suitably having an elongate portion 10which is straight from a connection 12 at one end thereof and angles atan angle α, continuing on for a somewhat shorter portion, ending with aball shaped head 14. The angle α is approximately 70 degrees or so inthe illustrated embodiment.

[0018] The connection 12 of the handle receives a hose “C” therein,suitably comprising a flexible type hose which extends to a sideconnection 16 of a diverter “B”. A sleeve 13 may be provided, in theform of a tape or such, to cover the threaded portion of the handlewhere it engages the hose, if desired, and to provide an aestheticappearance. Different models employ different color sleeves 13, whichmay comprise a gold metallic or silver metallic color band, with metalflake appearance, for example.

[0019] The diverter is adapted to be received by threaded portion 18 ata shower head attachment point of a typical bathroom shower. An oppositeend 20 of the diverter is adapted to threadably receive a shower headthereon.

[0020] The diverter carries first and second buttons 22, 24 thereon,which control valves therein so as to adjust the flow volume througheach arm of the diverter.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the diverter “B” is suitably achrome plated, solid brass diverter which is manufactured by RESOURCESCONSERVATION INCORPORATED (“Deluxe DUAL Shower Arm Diverter #YA903). Thehose “C” suitably comprises a chrome plated or stainless steel showerhose. However, an alternate hose may take the form of a vinyl tubing,for example. Handle “A” is preferably a ball type shower armmanufactured by Price Pfister and distributed for example by LASCO(Santa Fe Springs, Calif. 90670) (part #08-2463). The handle in theillustrated embodiment is chrome plated, solid brass, and isapproximately six inches long, although other lengths may be desirablefor different models, adapted for different users. For example, awomen's model employs a longer handle portion than a men's model. In theillustrated embodiment, the length from the tip of the ball portion ofthe handle to the bend in the handle is approximately 2.5 inches, whilethe length from the bend to the handle/connection 12 interaction pointis 3.5 inches. The connection 12 is about 1 inch in length in theillustrated form, and an exemplary hose length, from the junction withconnection 12 to the end of the side connector 16 of the diverter is 5feet. Of course, other lengths are possible, depending on the size andconfiguration of the individual shower. It should be noted that the usefor which the handle was originally created and manufactured was toreceive a shower head on the ball end thereof, and it is applicant whohas found the new use therefor as a douche/bidet apparatus.

[0022] In use, the purpose of this product is for personal hygiene, as ahandheld shower douche for men or women. The unique shape of the handleresults in an ergonomic design that does not require full insertion intothe body, is thus it is easier to use.

[0023] To install the device in a shower, with reference to FIG. 2 andFIG. 3, schematic view of before and after the mounting of the device,an existing showerhead is removed from the shower, and the diverter ismounted in place thereof via threaded receiving portion 18. Then, theshowerhead that was just removed is attached to the portion 20 of thediverter. Thus, the shower may continue to be used. To employ thedouche/bidet, the shower is turned on as would have been done beforeinstallation. Then, by operation of the flow control buttons 22, 24,water is at least partially diverted from the showerhead end of thediverter to the hose. This diverted water flow then exits from the ballend of the handle as shown at 30 in FIG. 1. The handle may then be movedabout as desired by the user for application of the flow to the body. Inthe preferred embodiment, the exiting stream of water from the head issubstantially a single stream 32, as shown in FIG. 4, a partial view ofan end of the handle.

[0024] The diverter unit is advantageously usable throughout the U.S.while complying with plumbing code requirements, because it continues todrip (slightly) whenever the shower is in use. Because of this feature,a backflow prevention device is not required for the attachment of thisunit to the shower. Additionally, since the unit continually drips whilethe shower is being used, it is self cleaning. The continuous trickleassists in the continuous cleaning of the unit. The diverter is designedsuch that when water is diverted to the handle the water continues toflow to the showerhead.

[0025] Also show in FIG. 1 is a hook member 26 which is attachable tothe wall of the shower, so that the hose may be advantageously hungtherefrom when the unit is not in use. Further, a handle receivinghanger 28 may be provided, wherein the handle may be placed in thehanger for storage when not in use. The hanger 28 suitably has a U-shapeand forms an open trough which the handle fits into. A wall mounted soapholder may be employed for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment,the hanger 28 attaches to the shower wall via suction cups.

[0026] The device may be sold as a kit, including substantially all thecomponents shown in FIG. 1, plus an amount of PTFE thread sealing tape,also known as “plumbers tape”. In more detailed steps of how to installthe device, when sold in a kit form, the existing shower head isremoved, and the threads on the shower are then cleaned to remove anydirt or debris. Then, the threads are wrapped with several revolutionsof the PTFE thread sealing tape in a clockwise direction. Portion 18 isthen threaded onto the shower head arm. The suction cups of the hanger28 and hook member 26 are then wetted and those two items may beattached to the wall of the shower on a flat area, by firmly pressingthem against the shower wall. Next, the threads 20 of the diverter arewrapped with several revolutions of the PTFE thread sealing tape, andthe shower head is attached thereto.

[0027]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a shower head 34 with the diverter36 installed, illustrating hose 38. FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating auser holding the handle 10, showing an exemplary flow 32 of water. FIG.7 is a view of a shower wall with the device hung thereon by use of thehook 26 and hanger 28, when in a not-in-use mode. A suitable positionrelative to the hot/cold water faucets 40 is as shown in FIG. 7, withthe device hanging above the faucets. However, this is not arequirement, and different mounting locations are possible, and may bedesirable, especially in the case where the faucets are mounted higheron the wall, for example, or in the case of a single centrally mountedhot/cold water control.

[0028] Accordingly, an improved shower bidet/douche is provided whichenables easy use thereof, while not requiring installation of backflowprevention valves.

[0029] While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has beenshown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat many changes and modifications may be made without departing fromthe invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are thereforeintended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shower douche/bidet apparatus comprising: adiverter member for diverting water flow at least partially from ashower head; and a handle member having a ball head thereon forreceiving and dispensing water diverter by said diverter member.
 2. Ashower douche/bidet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saiddiverter member comprising a valve member therein that remains at leastpartially open so as to ensure flow therethrough at all times that wateris supplied to the shower head.
 3. A shower douche/bidet apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said diverter member connects to saidhandle member via a flexible hose.
 4. A shower douche/bidet apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said handle member comprises a ball headedshower arm.
 5. A shower douche/bidet apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said handle member has an angled portion carrying the ball headthereon.
 6. A shower douche/bidet apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said handle member dispenses water as a substantially singlestream.
 7. A method of providing a shower douche/bidet comprising:diverting water flow at least partially from a shower head; andemploying a handle member having a ball head thereon for receiving anddispensing water diverter by said diverter member.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 7, further comprising maintaining at least apartially flow through the diverter at all times that water is suppliedto the shower head.
 9. The method according to claim 7, furthercomprising connecting said diverter member to said handle member via aflexible hose.
 10. The method according to claim 7, further comprisingemploying a ball headed shower arm as said handle member.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 7, further comprising providing said handle memberhas an angled portion carrying the ball head thereon.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 7, wherein said handle member dispenses water in asubstantially single stream.